Gelu Italian Ice Opens Its First Store Nicknamed the “Ice Shack”

Most folks know Gelu Italian Ice for its bright-colored, mobile push-carts spotted at most local farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals.

Now, folks have another option to easily get their Gelu fix. The locally-owned business recently opened the Gelu Italian “Ice Shack” – a standalone location – May 29 in the Sutherland’s parking lot by Mesa Mall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

The grand opening and customer appreciation celebrations continue from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015, at the “Ice Shack” with a buy-one, get-one-free special for small and large cups of ice.

“When we’re at festivals, our customers are always asking where our store is located, so now we have the ‘Ice Box,’” Karin Gookin, Gelu Italian co-owner said. The “Ice Box” will be parked all summer and early fall outside of Sutherland’s.

“Or as long as it stays hot outside,” she added.

Gelu Italian “water” ice is a mixture of fruit, water and sugar blended into a silky-smooth, refreshing dessert. It is dairy-free, gluten-free and cholesterol-free.

“We take pride in where we live and use locally grown fruits whenever possible,” Karin Gookin said. “Our mission is to provide the highest quality and best-tasting flavors that are affordable to anybody’s budget.”